Novak, Azerbaijani energy minister discuss expanding Tikhoretsk-Baku pipeline for reverse oil supply from Russia

MOSCOW. Oct 12 (Interfax) - Deputy Russian Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov have discussed increasing cooperation between the two countries in the oil and gas, electric power and nuclear sectors, including expanding Tikhoretsk-Baku pipeline for reverse oil supply from Russia.

"The agenda included the possibility of expanding the Tikhoretsk-Baku oil pipeline for reverse supplies of Russian oil to Azerbaijan, as well as prospects for building technological cooperation between Russian and Azerbaijani companies within the framework of the import substitution policy," the Russian government said in a statement.

Novak told reporters later that the reverse oil supplies could total 4 million tonnes per year.

He said the project was proposed by the Russian side, and that Azerbaijan has not yet made a decision and was looking at the details. "The volumes could be up to 4 million tonnes," Novak said, adding that Baku would have the opportunity to refine this oil and export its own oil.